Citizen TV's local drama, Machachari, arguably gained a cult-like following in its near-decade tenure; with fans tuning to the show on a weekly basis in order to watch the mischief and intrigue surrounding the cast. So popular was the show that its stars became household names.
The likes of Baha, Govi, Fatso, Coaches, Tosh, Stella, gained popularity from younger and older generations alike due to their shenanigans that made the show a must-watch.
Citizen TV announced the onset of the show towards the end of 2010, introducing fans to a young cast comprising of ages five to twelve.
However, in September 2019, the media station cancelled the show's production - which brought the curtains down on one of the most exhilarating local dramas in the country. Three years since the show closed, Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at what the cast is up to.
Kamau Mbaya (Baha)
Kamau Mbaya captivated the younger generation as he acted when he was at the age of six. Acting as the bigger brother to Govi, Baha portrayed a stubborn yet fun character that the fans could relate with.
Kamau has maintained his online presence- amassing over 632,000 followers on Instagram alone. The actor is a brand ambassador for a number of brands such as Denri Africa. He also takes part in short drama skits that are posted on his YouTube page.
Malik Lemuel (Govi)
Playing as Baha's younger brother, Malik Lemuel complemented the role to a tee with a cool adorable version of the two brothers. All grown up, Lemuel played various roles in local skits before securing a role in the Kina show where he plays the role of Vinnie.
The actor also doubles as a managing director of Cheko Saba productions company- which is owned by his mother, Suzanne Njoki, who plays Karen in the Inooro TV hit series- Ithaga Riene.
Mathew Owiti (Fatso)
Owiti is renowned for playing Fatso- a well brought up kid who bullied his friends, primarily the duo of Baha and Govi in order to get his way. As years passed, Owiti is still an actor and engages in poetry.
Michael Odoyo (Coaches)
Odoyo played the character of Coaches who was the local football trainer as well as Baha and Govi's father. Odoyo decided to venture into politics and in the 2017 General Election, he vied for the Member of County Assembly (MCA) in Imara Daima, Nairobi. He, however, garnered 2,111 votes out of 14 aspirants with Kennedy Obuya emerging as the winner.
Luhkmar Shapir (Tosh)
Shapir acted as a cool, calm collected chap who was protective of his younger cousin, Joy. He came from a rich background and would engage with his friends, Baha and Govi, in some mischievous escapades. Years later, the actor is a director as well as a music producer. In order to give back to the community, he is a brand ambassador for amhereforyouke - a community that aids the youth dealing with depression and mental health.
Natasha Wanjiku (Stella)
Wanjiku played the role of Stella - the lovable character that inspired many of the younger generations as she focused on her studies despite struggling with family issues.
The character portrayed Stella as a tough kid who had to overcome a number of personal and family struggles. Years later, she still acts and was featured in a local drama skit titled Everyone Dies alongside her former colleague, Luhkmar Shapir.
Ian Wainaina (Almasi)
Almasi is arguably one of the best actors to come out of the show due to his prowess. He, however, left the show in order to pursue his studies in the United Kingdom. He enrolled at the School of Bukti based in Watford that focuses on spiritual development.
Wanjiku Mburu ( Mama Baha) x Peterson Gathambo (Chalo)
Mburu played the role of Pamela (Mama Baha) and wife to Coaches. She portrayed a hardworking mother who strove to provide for her family despite coping with poverty.
Gathambo, on the other hand, played the role of Chalo who is the father of the twins, Levis and Muthure. Both Mburu and Gathambo are still engaged in active acting roles- with the latter playing the role of Githeca in Inooro TV's hit series, Ithaga Riene.
